Streptocarpus: Lots of blooms, ease of care

Sometimes commonly known as ‘cape primrose’, Streptocarpus aren’t primrose at all, but gesneriads (African violet cousins). They will bloom heavily year-round and can be quite spectacular. Very easy to grow and bloom, they are great for windows, or in artificial light. Many visitors to our shop will mistake them for orchids, they are so pretty!

Unlike violets, each leaf of a streptocarpus will produce 8-10 or more bloom stalks, sequentially, so that plants tend to stay in heavy bloom for long periods of time. Culture and care of streptocarpus is the same as for African violets. If you are going to grow just one other blooming houseplant besides violets, we would highly recommend trying steps. They are very easy to grow and almost constantly rewarding.

Who we are

We’ve been growing and exhibiting since 1975, and have been in business shipping to satisfied customers world-wide since 1985. We hybridize many of our own plants–are famous for our ‘Rob’s’ and ‘Ma’s’ series of African violets, and our ‘Bristol’s’ series of gesneriads (African violet relatives).

We grow our plants in a renovated barn, circa 1900, with an attached glasshouse and other buildings. At any given time, we have 30,000+ plants being grown. We grow plants because this is what we love to do. View the “about” page to learn more about us.

What we do

We hybridize and grow all the plants we sell–we don’t buy from other growers and resell. This means we know what each plant likes to grow best from personal experience. We also collect the best and most unusual hybrids from other growers, then propagate them for sale, as well as collect and grow many rare species not previously grown in cultivation. We rarely travel or attend a show and come home empty handed!

We also try to share our passion for growing plants with others, and to educate those new to our hobby. We encourage everyone to share their experience with others–the spread the “cheer” and their knowledge. View our “blog” pages or subscribe to our monthly newsletter to read more.

What we grow

We specialize in African violets and their relatives (gesneriads), and other plants suitable for the indoor home environment. Most are of a manageable size (can be grown on a windowsill or light stand), and many will bloom readily in the home.

We also grow a huge, and diverse, collection of miniature and terrarium plants–every plant you need for a terrarium, miniature landscape, or fairy garden. Our plants are true miniatures, not just cuttings of a large plant that will quickly outgrow your container. Safe for use in vivariums. Not harmful to frogs and reptiles.We only use organic, nontoxic, products when growing these plants. For an overview of what we grow, view the “what we grow pages”, or better, our online catalog!

How to grow

Though we’d like to sell you plants (or perhaps we have) use this site as a reference–to learn about the plants you grow (or want to), or to learn how to grow them better. Use our “search function” to answer your question–for example, type “repot African violet”, if this is what you need to know. You’ll be directed to relevant information on this topic, or any other. Our “plant care” pages contain much useful information, including “how to” lessons, and a FAQ (frequently asked questions) library.

If you’ve purchased a plant from us, and are having difficulties growing it, or simply need more information on its care, we can always be reached by email or phone during business hours.

Where to find us

Visit us–our shop and glasshouse are open to the public year-round. Hours and directions can be found in the “about” pages. We also attend (and sell at) a number of shows during the year, throughout the United States. Dates of these upcoming events will be listed in the sidebar at right.

Keeping connected

Visit our “facebook” and “pinterest” pages (links found at page top). Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, “VioletsFun”. Join a society–we are longtime members for many plant societies and interest groups. There is no better way to learn than to share your experiences with a fellow grower. We offer incentives to join (a free plant with an AVSA membership) and encourage members to participate and exhibit (coupons for show winners).

Want to share your knowledge or growing experience (or want to educate us)? Many pages of this site allow comments. We’ll post those that are relevant to the page being commented on.

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THE LATEST NEWS

Coronavirus update:
We continue to ship orders as normal!
However, as a precaution, the shop will be closed to visitors until further notice.

Because of the high volume of spring orders and our being short-staffed, shipment of orders may not be as prompt as usual. Please be patient.

Subscribe to 'VioletsFun', our free newsletter emailed to you each month.

Plant Care and Other Posts

Plant Care and Other Posts

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

From Peggy, in OH
Thanks so much for taking such great care with your packaging and shipping. The baby violets arrived today in good condition and I was thrilled to receive them. They will be loved and well cared for. Thanks Violet Barn. You have a customer for life. June 4, 2020

From Suzette, in PA
Just received my order was totally impressed with the packing and the condition of the plants! Thank you so much I look forward to seeing them grow and I will be ordering again. June 4, 2020

From Genevieve, in FL
Thank You so much for my recent order. Though, due to the prevailing shipping delays it took 7 rather than 2 or 3 days to get here, the plants arrived in perfect condition – amazing as they were wrapped up in the dark for over a week and came out perky and lovely. Your plants, packaging and care at every step are greatly appreciated. I am excited I have another order shipping next week! June 4, 2020

From Anna,
I ordered 6 Hoya starter plants from Violet Barn as a first time order. I was blown away by the meticulous packaging of the plants. They all arrived in pristine condition. Although small, as they are starter plants, they appear extremely healthy. I look forward to watching them grow. Notification was sent upon mailing and they arrived in two days. I look forward to more orders from Violet Barn. Very pleased. May 30, 2020